The altercation happened at 4pm on Saturday and was witnessed by Medina's girlfriend. Sutter was taken to hospital and pronounced dead soon after arriving.

A spokesman for the Los Angeles county sheriff's department said: "That afternoon the victim and the suspect became involved in an argument, which turned into a physical altercation.

"The suspect retreated to his bedroom with his girlfriend, but the victim followed them and forced the door open. The suspect stabbed the victim once in the abdomen with a sword kept next to the bedroom door.

"The suspect called 911, remained at the location and was later interviewed by homicide detectives."

Police said Medina was being held on bail of $1 million (£663,000).

Medina played the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Wild Force in 2002, and also appeared on television in ER and CSI: Miami.

Gar Lester, his agent, told the Los Angeles Times: "He's been my friend and client for 12 years and he's a great guy. He's great to his dog, he's great to his people. He's really a super person."